Mansfield??? (Houston, Arlington, Plano: custom home, neighborhood, theater)

[Ex-Mansfield]

Corrections: as site will not allow for edits...

Prices peaked in 2004.

Traffic
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Apparently many hurricane Katrina victims came and saw what they liked in 2005


Sorry!

[Mike78613]

Originally Posted by Ex-Mansfield

Corrections: as site will not allow for edits...

Prices peaked in 2004.

Traffic
------
Apparently many hurricane Katrina victims came and saw what they liked in 2005


Sorry!

So where are you at now?

[Ex-Mansfield]

Originally Posted by Mike78613

So where are you at now?

Superficially this is off topic. But the implied point is relevant as we should adapt to the deteriorating housing markets and severe economic conditions. The fact is there are a lot worse places to live. But to answer your question: the Midwest.

The Texas summer of 2006 was absolutely brutal. We had on our air conditioning even in December. I'd grown tired of leaving on the air conditiong for 10 months out of the year. An not being able to enjoy picnics in the summer. Whether there is global warming or not who knows? But there is no denying that DFW temperatures are increasing.
The goals were less traffic congestion, cooler temperatures, four seasons, lower energy costs, ample water supply and having the flexibility to pay reasonable rent with no long term commitments.

After 60 years of appreciation home ownership today is no bargain. It severely limits your freedom to move when necessary. Paying two mortgages is no fun!
As a pastor once advised: it’s ok to take out a loan on a non-depreciating asset. But this is not the case today. Renting is a bargain at approximately 50% of the costly mortgage cycle: taking out the loan, paying taxes and then selling. Let’s not forget the costly (both time and money) maintenance nightmare any house requires. I was Home Depots and Lowe’s best customer.
Lastly do not do what others lead you on too do. I laughed out loud at the superficial Mansfield inclusion in the 100 best places ratings. Did they really do their research and talk with people who live there? It’s no different than buying stocks recommended in the business section (when they are generally at their peak).
Now people contemplating a move can discard the rosy Camber of Commerce propaganda and concentrate on the real issues (as in reading here). I’d really enjoy debating someone who disagrees with the facts I’ve raised.
As always I’d recommend renting in an unfamiliar area for a year or two first before making any costly commitments.

[expgc]

[quote=Ex-Mansfield;2081603]
The Texas summer of 2006 was absolutely brutal. We had on our air conditioning even in December. I'd grown tired of leaving on the air conditiong for 10 months out of the year. An not being able to enjoy picnics in the summer. Whether there is global warming or not who knows? But there is no denying that DFW temperatures are increasing.

The summer of 2007 was actually very mild and enjoyable. We had several picnics/outings during the summer. I think there were only a few days of 100 degree temps. There are no indications that the DFW temps are abnormally increasing. Summer in Texas (July/August) are almost always very hot and to be expected. Those who don't like that should not move here. However, you will miss the Fall of the year which can be just terrific with warm temps and low humidity.

You sound really disgruntled with Mansfield and alot of other Texas living issues. I think the OP should disregard alot of what you have ranted about here as much of it is opinion and way off base.

[Ex-Mansfield]

[quote=expgc;2081668]

Originally Posted by Ex-Mansfield

The Texas summer of 2006 was absolutely brutal. We had on our air conditioning even in December. I'd grown tired of leaving on the air conditiong for 10 months out of the year. An not being able to enjoy picnics in the summer. Whether there is global warming or not who knows? But there is no denying that DFW temperatures are increasing.

The summer of 2007 was actually very mild and enjoyable. We had several picnics/outings during the summer. I think there were only a few days of 100 degree temps. There are no indications that the DFW temps are abnormally increasing. Summer in Texas (July/August) are almost always very hot and to be expected. Those who don't like that should not move here. However, you will miss the Fall of the year which can be just terrific with warm temps and low humidity.

You sound really disgruntled with Mansfield and alot of other Texas living issues. I think the OP should disregard alot of what you have ranted about here as much of it is opinion and way off base.

Its understood that unflattering opinions can cause many real-estate agents, city employees and existing home owners to feel unsettled. The coming onslaught here is very predictable. However there is no stopping what you can't control.

We agree that the weather unpredictable.
Texas got the rain meant for the southeast parts of the country like Atlanta. But the pattern is now shifting back to more "normal". My son had his air conditioning on just last week. 84 degrees with high humidity.

Now can anyone else do better than attempting to cast such feeble doubt as this? Remember I lived there for twelve years and went to city council meetings. I'm an unpaid expert on the subject who has no ulterior interest other than setting the record straight. Its a new era guys so try sticking to the facts.

Who wants to hear bogus superficial stuff like: "I live there and its a great place!!!"

[Ex-Mansfield]

One of the best ways to tell what a community is like is to go observe at the local grocery store. I recommend visiting the Mansfield Walmart SuperCenter on a Sunday evening.

[Ex-Mansfield]

With every new shopping strip sprouting up, my wife and I were always amazed to see yet another nail place opening. Apparently just what the Mansfieldites need.
We can only guess, but figured it had be to provide a valuable service the upper-crust ladies of the Mansfield Country Club.
Is there a rational explanation for the very high nails shop to citizens ratio?
One of life's great unsolved mysteries!

[Ex-Mansfield]

Mansfield has made a good effort to keep its housing and zoning standards high. The city tries to limit the number of cheap high density three story apartments and keep lot sizes reasonable as developers are always trying to cut corners to maximize their profits.
One of the biggest problems is Mansfield’s location being adjacent to Arlington and Grand Prairie. Arlington is notorious for over building cheap, flimsy housing. The lack of planning results in Arlington having one of the highest transient populations in the nation. Now that there is no land left, the Arlington leaders acknowledge and bemoan this fact. They pondered how to get the upscale influential homeowners to move there. But the fact is Arlington best days are behind it.
So with all the new transients/newcomers moving in where can all the urban sprawl go?
To the south to poor Mansfield!
It must be emphasized that the City Government has worked hard to make the city and nice place to live. The city council and planning commission have also worked tirelessly.
But no one was prepared for the rapid demographic transformation. In addition to the brutal weather and fire ants, we now have foreclosures, congestion, gangs, increasing crime and lots of public debt. With falling house prices. All those nice roads, city buildings and schools aren't paid for yet. But the shopping is great.
So if this is what you seek then go for it. Why not help out? I hear that Mansfield was rated as a most desirable place to live:
City of Mansfield, Texas - Home

[blueskies49]

Ex-Mansfield, I read an article in the Star-Telegram several months ago about Arlington and the things you mentioned. I've lived in Arlington for many years and have indeed noticed that it's gone downhill. I remember years ago before I-20 was built up that the city said it wasn't going to zone that area for car dealers and that they were going to be careful about new construction in that area. Much to my dismay, years later, what has happened? They did zone for auto dealers along the interstate! And that area across from the Parks Mall south of 20 is considered the densest retail area in the nation. No wonder the traffic there is a nightmare. I hate going down there anymore. My daughter went to Sam Houston High in the 90's. It is now majority hispanic. In fact, the city began building section 8 housing in the 90's and designated certain already built apartment complexes as section 8. What were they thinking letting in a huge lower income demographic??? You have to balance it and they didn't. Now they have to live with what they've done and it pisses me off. I used to be proud to be from Arlington.

[Ex-Mansfield]

Excellent and truthful points. There is so much crime in Arlington that the police no longer respond to many smaller crimes. They will at best take a report over the phone and then, in essence bury it. I also recommend a trip to the Walmart SuperCenter (affectionately known as Hypermart) on Copper St and I-20 near the Park's Mall.

There is a huge shell game occurring in the DFW area. The affluent keep on trying to move further out from the Dallas and Fort Worth city centers before the neighborhoods take a turn for the worse. This is why Denton and Frisco and Parker county are currently being overrun. Just quietly move. It a flight to quality.
As stated earlier, there are people moving in from the east and north of Mansfield. Fair or not, here is a sensational Mansfield area article which made the international news:
Suburban Sex Parties Draw Complaints